Canon U.S.A., Canon Virginia and Christopher Newport University Introduce the 2009-2010 Class of Canon Leadership Scholars

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., AND NEWPORT NEWS , VA. – Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Virginia, Inc. (CVI) and Christopher Newport University (CNU) are proud to introduce the 24 members of the 2009-2010 Class of Canon Leadership Scholars at a ceremony at CNU on Tuesday, October 27th at 4 p.m.

This year’s class of Canon Scholars has a high-school grade-point average of 4.1 and an average SAT score (combined verbal and math) of 1369. In addition, these students have also demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, service and citizenship. Demonstrating their commitment to higher education and the development of the business leaders of tomorrow, Canon U.S.A., CVI and CNU announced the formation of the Canon Leadership Scholars Program in October 2007.

“Leaders are defined by their ability to make a positive impact on the world and their local communities,” said Joe Adachi, president and chief executive officer, Canon U.S.A. “The Christopher Newport University - Canon Leadership Scholars Program is continuing to provide the leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfill their leadership potential and one day become top decision makers in America.”

“The Canon Leadership Scholars Program is an example of Canon’s commitment to encourage the young people of today to assume important leadership roles tomorrow,” said Takayoshi Hanagata, president and chief executive officer, CVI. “It is critical that the business community take an active role in educating, training and developing future generations to assume important roles in guiding our institutions, our government and our community organizations in the years ahead. Canon is proud to partner with Christopher Newport University in this important mission that impacts the future of us all.”

Each Canon Leadership Scholar receives a $5,000 merit scholarship for four years, for a total of $20,000. Through leadership studies, prominent guest speakers, study abroad opportunities, an outdoor leadership program, internships and a public service requirement of at least 100 hours, Canon U.S.A., CVI and CNU will give the students the tools and experiences needed to become leaders of the highest-caliber.

“We are very grateful for the strong and generous support of Canon U.S.A. and Canon Virginia. Working together, our purpose is to prepare these outstanding students to become knowledgeable and effective leaders in America and the world,” noted CNU President Paul Trible.

The 2009 – 2010 Class of Canon Leadership Scholars include:


Jennifer Asselin
Burlington, N.J.

Taylor Ballenger
Toledo, Ohio

Greg Basch
Charlotte, N.C.

Victoria Baughan
Hot Springs, Va.

Virginia Blanton
Midlothian, Va.

Christiana Booher
Annandale, Va.

Claire Brantley
Fairfax, Va.

Amy Craven
Greensboro, N.C.

Jessica Farrow
Fredericksburg, Va.

Stephanie Green
Pasadena, Md.

Katrina Hallwerck
Fairfax, Va.

Kalee Hammerton
Royersford, Pa.

Erik Hancock
Charlottesville, Va.

Brian Huffman
Charlottesville, Va.

Jessica Johnson
Midlothian, Va.

Sara LaFrance
Sterling, Va.

Jess McCormac
Charlotte, N.C.

Victoria Miller
Fort Washington, Pa.

Shelton Nalley
Greensboro, N.C.

Katie Schumacher
Easton, Md.

Tierney Stark
Manassas, Va.

Megan Talley
Springfield, Va.

Francis Wilson
Woodbridge, Va.

Michael Zimmerman
Durham, N.C.